Klappentext

A hush falls over the cellblock, broken only by the distant toll of a bell and the restless shuffle of prisoners' feet. Out of this stark atmosphere of confinement and longing emerges a collection of verse that pulses with humanity, sorrow, and the search for meaning amid suffering. This gathering of Victorian poetry stands as a testament to one of English literature's most dazzling and embattled voices, whose lyrical power and biting candour illuminate the shadows of 19th century society. The poems trace a journey through beauty and anguish, wit and despair, capturing both the glittering salons of British society and the bleak isolation of prison walls. The Ballad of Reading Gaol, a centrepiece of this collection, transforms personal ordeal into universal poetry about justice and the human cost of punishment. Each line is steeped in the tension between grace and grief, revealing the vulnerability and resilience that mark the finest English literary classics. Those drawn to fin de siècle poetry will find an intoxicating blend of decadence and defiance, as the verses shift from crystalline observations of love and nature to searing indictments of cruelty and hypocrisy. The poet's mastery of form and rhythm breathes life into every stanza, whether evoking the splendour of the natural world or the stark realities of incarceration. This is not only a British poetry collection of rare beauty, but also a profound meditation on suffering and redemption. For collectors and lovers of classic British literature, this volume offers a unique window into the heart of 19th century poetry, where personal experience and social critique intertwine. The enduring relevance of these works lies in their honesty and emotional force, inviting reflection on the complexities of art, justice, and the human soul. This book was out of print for decades and is now republished by Alpha Editions. It has been restored for today's and future generations. This edition is not just a reprint - it's a collector's item and a cultural treasure.